Monsoon brings in a variety of stomach problems the commonest being bacterial dysentery and viral diarrhoea. The commonest reason is contaminated drinking water sources and fruits and vegetables which have been washed in dirty water. Diseases like Cholera, Jaundice, Typhoid, Dysentery, and Viral Gastroenteritis are some of the common ailments that occur.

The best ways to avoid gastrointestinal diseases during monsoon are –

1. To drink boiled cooled water or filtered bottled water.
2. To avoid raw vegetables – rather consume steamed or boiled vegetables.
3. Avoid eating fruits from street vendors.
4. Include probiotics in your diet.
5. Keep properly hydrated and maintain hand hygiene and eat home-cooked food.
6. Always keep covered even at home.
7. Eat freshly cooked food.        
8. Vegetables should be thoroughly cleaned with boiled cooled water.
9. Food prepared at home should be always covered.
10. Children should be made to wash their hands and feet after coming from outdoors.
11. Children should be advised not to touch railings and other exposed surfaces in the washroom etc as sometimes some people inadvertently become carriers of diseases and can spread them to others without their knowledge.
12. Children should be advised not to swim in water that could be contaminated.
13. Avoid touching animals and wish the hands thoroughly if they have done so.
14. Food handlers should be tested to find out if they are carriers of diseases.
15. Probiotics like yogurt and buttermilk should replace aerated fizzy and cola drinks.

About the author- Dr. M S Purkait, Medical Superintendent, Techno India Dama Hospital